Electric current interchange system



1936. c. EHRENSPERGER 2,056,655

ELECTRIC CURRENT INTERCHANGE SYSTEM Filed April 5, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 \l I G 6 a A E0 g. 3

h 2 g s :5 /7 Q 5 CURRENT 1936- c. EHRENSPERGER 2,056,555

ELECTRIC CURRENT INTERCHANGE SYSTEM Filed April 5, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l 1/ I e @135. 2 mom v0 Patented Oct. 6, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC CURRENT INTERCHANGE SYSTEM pany of Switzerland Application April 5, 1933, Serial No. 664,531 In Germany May 7, 1932 22 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric current rectifying systems employing an electron discharge device and more particularly to control means for permitting operation of the device alternately as an alternating current rectifier or as a direct current inverter.

It is well known to supply a direct current distribution line from an alternating current supply line through means employing an electron discharge device controlled for operation as an alternating current rectifier. It is frequently desired also to permit the transfer, to the alternating current line in a system such as above indicated, of energy produced by generators connected with the distribution line when such energy is in excess of the amount which can be utilized by current consuming devices connected with the distribution line. Such production of excess energy is frequent in systems, in which a direct current line supplies the motors of electric vehicles, when the motors of a vehicle operate as generators for regenerative braking thereof and therefore return energy to the line in excess of the amount required for the operation of other vehicles supplied from the same line. Such return of energy to the alternating current line is not possible through an ordinary rectifying system using an electron discharge device unless the polarity of the direct current line be first reversed which is impractical when a plurality of devices are supplied therefrom. By providing means for reversing the connections of the electron discharge device with the direct current line and for simultaneously adjusting the control -rneans of the device in response to line conditions,

the system may operate to return energy to the alternating current line without reversing the polarity of the direct current line.

The transfer of energy between the two lines may be controlled so as to automatically maintain the current flowing through the device at a predetermined intensity or so as to maintain the voltage of the direct current line at a value depending on the method of adjustment of the control means of the system. The control means are preferably so adjusted that the connections are reversed only when the current is at a minimum value to avoid current surges and to reduce thewear on the circuit interrupting means. It will generally be desired to provide means for interrupting the flow of current upon occurrence of a short circuit or overioad in the output circuit or of a backfire within the device; means should also be provided for putting the auxiliary equip ment of the device in operative condition when such device is to function.

It is, therefore, among the objects of the present invention to provide a control system for a current converting system employing an electron discharge device in which such device may be made to operate either as an alternating cur rent rectifier or as a direct current inverter.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a current converting system employing an electron discharge device in which such device is automatically connected to operate as an alternating current rectifier or as a direct current inverter in response to the relative conditions in the alternating current line and in the direct current line.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a current converting system employing an electron discharge device in which such device is connected to operate as an alternating current rectifier or as a direct current inverter without reversing the polarity of the direct current line.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a rectifying-inverting system employing an electron discharge de vice in which the reversal of the direction of flow of current is obtained without producing excessive current surges.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a rectifying-inverting system employing an electron discharge device in which the flow of current through the device is automatically controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined value in either condition of operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a rectifying-inverting system employing an electron discharge device in which the ratio of the values of the input and the output voltages is maintained at a predetermined value at all loads.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a rectifying-inverting system employing an electron discharge device in which the ratio of the values of the input and the output voltages is difierent during rectifying and during inverting operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a rectifying-inverting system employing an electron discharge device in which the flow of current automatically reverses when the ratio of the values of the input and of the output voltages reaches a predetermined value.

and a star-connected secondary winding Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system for a rectifying-inverting system employing an electron discharge device in which the fiow of current automatically reverses when the current decreases below a predetermined value.

Objects and advantages other than those above set forth will be apparent from the following description when read in connection with the drawings in which:

Fig. l diagrammatically illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in which a six phase electron discharge device may be manually so connected as to function either as an alternating current rectifier or as a direct current inverter, and in which the flow of current is automatically controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined value;

Fig. 2 diagrammatically illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which a six phase electron discharge device is automatically so connected as to function either as an alternating current rectifier or as a direct current inverter, and in which the ratio of the values of the input and of the output voltages is maintained at values depending on the current intensity and differing for rectifying and for inverting operation; and

Fig. 3 is a diagram of the direct current input or output voltages of the system illustrated in Fig. 2, plotted against the values of the direct current.

Referring more particularly to the drawings by characters of reference, reference numeral 5 designates an alternating current supply line of any desired voltage, frequency and number of phases herein represented as a three phase line only for the reason that such type of line is most frequently utilized in practice. It is assumed that it is desired to obtain an exchange of energy between line 5 and a direct current output line having a positive conductor 1 and a negative conductor 8. To simplify the explanation of the embodiments hereinafter described, it will be assumed that the voltage of line 5 is invariably maintained at a constant value. Such constant voltage permits consideration of the value of the direct current voltage as being the quantity to be controlled instead of requiring consideration of the ratio of the alternating current voltage to the direct current voltage. It will be understood, however, that the system will function in a manner similar to that described when the alternating current voltage of line 6 is not constant.

The transfer of energy is effected through a suitable electron discharge device 9 provided with a plurality of anodes H each having the operation thereof controlled by the energization of an associated control electrode 12. Device 9 is provided with a suitable cathode I 3 and with the usual ignition means (not shown) and with excitation anodes M. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, device 9 is connected with line 6 over a disconnecting switch 16, a circuit breaker ii and a transformer having a primary winding l8 l9. Device 9 is also connected with line conductor l over a shunt 2| connected with cathode l3, a ripple smoothing reactor 22, a double pole reversing switch 23 by which the device may be con- "nected with conductor 8, and a circuit breaker 24.

The anodes l l of device 9 are severally connected with the terminals of winding i9, which is here assumed to be of the double six phase type, while 75 .the neutral point of winding E9 is connected with conductor 1 or conductor 8 by means of reversing switch 23.

The energization of the control electrodes of device 9 is effected by means of a distributor 26 having the brushes thereof driven by a synchronous motor 2l. The stator winding 28 of motor 27 is energized from transformer winding [9 over a suitable transformer 29. The rotor or field windings 3!, 32 and 33 of motor 27 are energized as will appear hereinafter. Motor 21 may also be used for driving a direct current generator 3 5 having an armature 38, a shunt field winding 36 and a series field winding (H. The potentials at the terminals of generator 3 are maintained in definite relation with respect to the potential of cathode it by connecting, across the output terminals of generator 34, a voltage divider 39 having anadjustable tap connected with cathode it. Such connection is made by means of a shunt 49 of relatively high resistance, the purpose of which will appear hereinafter. Distributor 28 comprises a plurality of identical segments equal in number to twice the number of the phases of winding I9. Alternate segments as at 42 are each connected with two control electrodes associated with two anodes energized in phase coincidence with each other, such energization being applied over suitable current limiting resistances 43. Each of the remaining segments as at 44 is connected with the preceding segment 42 over a condenser 46 whereby segments such as 44 serve to avoid sparking when the flow of control current through the preceding segment 42 is interrupted by movement of the brush. A resistance 41 discharges the associated condenser 46 between passages of the brush over the associated segment. Each segment 42 is connected with the negative terminal of voltage divider 39 over a resistance as at 48 so as to generally maintain the associated control electrodes at a negative potential with respect to the potential of cathode 13. Condensers 5B are connected between each control electrode and cathode l3 to bypass any voltage surges which would tend to disturb the normal operation of the control electrodes. Distributor 26 is preferably provided with two brushes, of which brush 49 is used during the operation of device 9 as a rectifier and brush 5! is used during the operation of device 9 as an inverter. As is well known, the energization of control electrodes l2 must occur at different parts of the voltage wave of line 6 for the rectifying and for the inverting operations, and by using for such operations two spatially displaced brushes the control of synchronous motor 21 may be effected in substantially the same manner during rectifying and inverting operations. Either brush 49 or 5| is connected with the positive terminal of voltage divider 39 over auxiliary switch 52 controlled by switch 23 and over contact 53 of an overload relay 54. The coil of relay 54 is energized from a current transformer 56 inserted in the connection of transformer winding IS with line 6; the secondary winding of current transformer 56 being short circuited during inverting operation of the system by an auxiliary switch 51 controlled by switch 23.

Upon occurrence of a short circuit in the output circuit or of a backfire in device 9, relay 54 interrupts the connection of brush 49 or 5! so that all control electrodes l2 are only negatively energized with respect to cathode l3 from voltage divider 39. Relay 54 then closes contact 58 short circuiting the positive portion of voltage divider 39 so that the negative portion of such voltage divider receives the entire output voltage of generator 34 and therefore makes control electrodes l2 more negative than during normal operation. Contact 53 may be provided with a blow-out coil 59 energized from voltage divider 39.

Windings 3|, 32, 33 are energized from the excitation circuit of device 9 which may receive current from line 6 or, as is more generally the case, from an auxiliary supply line such as line 6!. Such connection is controlled by contacts 62 of circuit breaker I1 and is made upon closure of a time delay relay 63 energized from line 6| upon closure of contact 62. The contacts of relay 63 close the circuit of the primary winding 64 of an ignition and excitation transformer hav ing a secondary winding 66 provided with a midtap. Winding 66 energizes the ignition means (not shown) of device 9 and energizes the excitation anodes i4 thereof over current limiting resistances 61.

The midtap of winding 66 is connected with one blade of a four pole double throw switch 68 by which the system may be connected either for automatic or for manual control of the current intensity through device 9. The automatic control of the current intensity is obtained by means of a regulator 1| provided with a regulating resistance I2. A conductive sector 69 is in contact with an arcuate contact path (not shown) consisting of a plurality of conductive segments separated by insulation, each segment being connected with an intermediate point of resistance I2. To simplify the drawing, sector 69 is illustrated as directly contacting with resistance "I2 to provide a movable tap thereon. One terminal of resistance I2 may be connected over switch 68 with winding 3| of motor 27 and the other terminal of such resistance may be connected with winding 33 over switch 68 and over contacts I3 of a starting relay I4. Winding 32 is connected in series with the coil of relay 14 which is connected with cathode |3 over shunt 4|. Regulator II is actuated by a driving mechanism comprising a field core I9 provided with a winding 8| and a movable armature core 18 provided with a winding and mounted on a spindle l6. Spindle 16 is provided with a hub ll serving as a fulcrum for sector 69 and with a spring I5 opposing the torque produced by the driving mechanism. Spindle I6 also carries a contact arm operable to close a pair of contacts 88 and which may engage with suitable stops to limit the movement of spindle I6. Winding 8| is energized at a constant voltage from voltage divider 39 and winding 89 is energized over suitable flexible leads from shunt 2| or from shunt 4|, such connection being completed by way of regulating rhecstat 92, one blade of switch 68, and contacts 03 or 84 of a low voltage relay 86. The coil of relay 86 is energized from the secondary winding of transformer 29 over contacts 81 provided on circuit breaker 24 and which are closed when such circuit breaker is in the closed position. Contacts 88 are connected in series with a pair of contacts 89 of relay E4 in the circuit of a transformer 9| which serves to energize the closing coil 92 of circuit breaker 24. Such energization may also be controlled by means of a hand operated switch 93.

When a manual control of the flow of current is desired, switch 68 is moved from the position shown into the reverse position, whereby resistance I2 is disconnected and is replaced by resist ance 90 which is provided with a hand operated movable tap. Relay I4 is provided with contacts 94 and 96 which permit the flow of current through windings 3|, 32 and 33 over resistances 91 and 98 when the coil of relay I4 is deenergized. Resistances 99 and NH are connected in parallel with windings 3|, 32, and 33 and with the coil of relay I4 to reduce the inductive surge voltage appearing at the terminals of windings 3 l, 32 and 33 upon interruption of the flow of current therethrough. Another pair of contacts I02 of relay l4 permit the armature 38 of generator 34 to excite the field 36 thereof upon closure of such contacts.

Circuit breaker I1 is provided with a latch I03 which may be released by means of a trip coil I04 energized from a current transformer I06. Circuit breaker 24 is provided with a latch I01 which may be released by means of a polarized relay I99 having a polarized coil I09 energized from voltage divider 39 over a switch I ll controlled from switch 23. Relay I08 releases latch I01 upon flow of excessive current from switch 23 to conductor 1 through a shunt ||3 energizing the coil I I2 of the relay. A voltage coil I l4 of relay I08 is normally energized from voltage divider 39 and causes such relay to release latch I07 upon deenergization of coil 4. A second polarized relay 6 opens a pair of contacts |2| in circuit with coil 4 upon reverse flow of excessive current or current flow from conductor 7 towards reversing switch 23. For this purpose, relay I I6 is provided with a polarizing coil ||'I energized from voltage divider 39 and with an operating coil 8 energized from a shunt I I9 inserted in the connection of switch 23 with line 1. Device 9 is provided with the usual auxiliary equipment such as a vacuum pump I25 driven by a motor I22 and with a water circulating pump I26 driven by a motor I24. Motors I22 and I24 are preferably energized from line 6| upon closure of contact 62.

The operation of the system will first be considered assuming that the system is connected as shown, that is, switch 23 moved into the position shown to permit operation of device 9 as an alternating current rectifier transferring energy from line 6 towards line 'I, 8. Under such conditions switch 93 may be closed, but such closure is without immediate effect as contacts 88 and 99 are open and, in addition, transformer 29 is not energized. Disconnecting switch I6 is then closed and circuit breaker I1 is likewise closed by any suitable means. Circuit breaker I? therefore closes its contact 62, thereby energizing motors I22 and I24 from line 6|, and pumps I25 and |29 operate to maintain device 9 in the proper operating conditions of vacuum and temperature. The coil of time delay relay 63 is likewise energized, but the time delay device of such relay prevents the immediate closure of the contacts thereof. Upon closure of circuit breaker ll, winding I8 is energized from line 6 and induces voltages in winding I9 from which transformer 29 is energized. Winding 28 then receiving current from transformer 29, motor 21 starts as an induction motor, windings 3|, 32 and 33 then receiving currents induced by magnetic induction from winding 28 and flowing over contacts 94 and 96 of relay I4 and over resistances 97 and 96. Under such conditions, motor 2'! reaches a speed which closely approaches the normal operating or synchronous speed thereof. Relay 63, then closing the contacts thereof, energizes transformer 64, 66 and the are in device 9 is ignited by the usual means (not shown) energized from winding 69. An excitation current is then initiated in device 9 and flows from winding 66 over resistances El, excitation anodes l4, cathode l3, shunt 4i, coil of relay l4, winding 32, winding 3|, resistance 12, sector 99, switch 68 back to winding 66. The coil of relay it being energized, the armature thereof is attracted and closes contacts 13 so that current may also flow from winding 32 over winding 33, contacts 713, switch 68 to resistance i2. Such current is a pulsating direct current which is maintained at a substantially uniform value by the large inductance of windings 3!, 32 and 33, so that the arc is maintained between anodes l9 and cathode l3 without extinguishing between successive half cycles. The field windings of motor 2? thus receiving substantially uniform direct current, motor 21 operates in synchronism with the voltage of line 6.

Relay 74 having operated, contact 89 is closed but such closure is without eifect as contacts 88 in series therewith are still open. Contacts Hi2 having closed, generator 96 excites itself as armature 38 is connected with field winding 36. Shunt ii is selected with a resistance such that the voltage drop due to the flow of excitation current through such shunt is higher than the voltage drop produced in shunt 2! by current of any normal value. A relatively large control current therefore flows from shunt ll to armature winding 89 of regulator H and returns over regulating rheostat 82, switch 99 and contacts 83 to shunt l. The flow of such current causes armature E8 to rotate and thereby move sector 69 into the extreme position opposite to that shown in the drawings. The excitation current of device 9 therefore then flows almost entirely through winding 35 and is almost entirely withdrawn from winding 33. The position of the rotor of motor 2! is therefore retarded to the maximum extent with respect to the rotating field produced in the stator by winding 28 and brush 49 connects each control electrode l 2 with the positive terminal of voltage divider 39 towards the end of the positive half cycle of the associated anode. The reversal of spindle it causes contacts 88 to be bridged by member 85 so that transformer 9| is excited from the secondary winding ofrtransformer 29 and energizes closing coil 92 of switch 29. Switch 24 then closes, thereby closing contacts 8i and also maintaining itself in closed position by latch N31. The connection between line 9 and line ll, 8 is now completed so that current may flow therebetween. The coil of relay 86 is energized from the secondary winding of transformer 29 over contacts 8?, and relay 86 opens contacts 83 and closes contacts 84. Armature winding 89 of regulator ii is then energized in response to the load current flowing through device 9 by means of shunt 2i. Switch 93 may then be reopened to permit circuit breaker 24 to open when released by movement of latch I91. 7

The system then being in fully operative condition, control electrodes l2 are generally maintained negative with respect to cathode I3 from voltage divider 39 over resistances 48 and 43. The anodes of device 9 are energized in pairs and sequentially become positive with respect to cathode it. During such period of positive energization of the anodes, the control electrodes associated with one such pair of anodes become positively energized from voltage divider 39 over contact 53 of relay 5 switch 52, brush 49, contact 92 and resistance 43, and therefore permit the associated anodes to carry current until such anodes are no longer positive with respect to cathode l3. Such process is repeated sequentially for each pair of anodes and control electrodes during each cycle of the voltage of line 6 to cause the flow of a direct current from cathode is to line i, 8. If the voltage of line I, 8 is maintained at a comparatively high value by means of direct current generators or by current converters other than that shown in the drawings, the current flowing through device 9 will be at values below the Value to which such current is to be limited by regulator H. The Voltage drop in shunt 2! is then at a low value and spring 15 causes regulator H to return to the position shown in the drawings. The excitation current of device 9 then flows almost entirely through winding 33 to the exclusion of winding 3! so that the rotor of motor 21 advances to the maximum extent with respect to the rotating field produced by windings 28. Brush 49 then causes positive energization of each control electrode at the earliest moment of the voltage cycle of line 6 at which the associated anode may carry current. The control electrodes are therefore without effect in delaying the discharge and device 9 delivers the maximum amount of current consistent with the value of the voltage in line i, 8. If the voltage in line 7, 8 increases, the current may tend to increase to values higher than the desired limit value. The current flowing through armature winding 89 of regulator ll then increases and causes the torque of armature 78 to overcome the action of spring 75 and thereby causes spindle 16 to rotate and to bring sector 69 into contact with an intermediate point of resistance 12. The excitation current of device 9'is then flowing in Va riable proportions through windings 3i and 33 so that the rotor of motor 21 lags by a certain amount behind the rotating field created in'winding 28. The energization of the control electrodes by brush 99 is retarded by a certain extent, thereby causing each anode of device 9 to carry current at a later part of the voltage cycle of line 6. Such movement of regulator H is continued until the flow of current through the anodes of device 9 during each cycle is suifi ciently retarded to cause such current to be reduced to the desired maximum value. 'Such value may be adjusted at will by adjustment of rheostat 82 which controls the response of regulator H to the value of the voltage drop in shunt 2!.

To stop the flow of current through device 9, rheostat 82 is preferably adjusted to cause regulator H to take the extreme position opposite to that illustrated and thereby to regulate the value of the load current to a minimum value. If it is desired to disconnect the system entirely, circuit breaker Il may be opened, thereby making the entire system inoperative. If it is desired to interrupt the flow of current only momentarily, it is sufficient to. open switch in, whereupon circuit breaker 24 opens and interrupts the flow of current through device 9. Switch 29 also opens contact 87, the coil of relay 86 is deenergized and such relay again closes contacts 83; coil 89 of regulator ll is again energized from shunt 41 thereby causing regulator ii to be maintained in the extreme position opposite to that illustrated. If the flow of current is then to be reestablished, switch 93 is reclosed, thereby causing circuit breaker 24 to close and the system again operates as described above.

If it is desired to change over to manual control of the flow of current before switch 93 is reclose'd, switch 68 is first reversed so as to cause the excitation current of device 9 to flow over resistance 90 instead of resistance I2 of regulator I I. Such reversal of switch 68 causes winding 86 of regulator II to be permanently connected with shunt 4I so. that contacts 88 remain closed by member 85, thereby maintaining transformer 9| connected with transformer 29 which is energized. Switch 24 may then be reclosed by reclosure of switch 93, and the flow of current is then controlled by manual adjustment of the movable tap of resistance 90. If it is desired to start manual operation of the system when the latter is in entirely inoperative condition, the starting operation is similar to that described above except that switch 68 is first reversed whereby regulator II is maintained in the extreme position opposite to that shown upon starting of the excitation current in device 9, and remains in that position without regard to the position of relay 86.

Upon occurrence of an overload or of a short circuit in line I, 8 or of a backfire in device 9, such disturbances causing increase of current to transformer I8, I9, relay 54 receives an increased current from current transformer 56 and immediately opens contact 53 and closes contact 58. Contact 53 being open, the control electrodes are constantly maintained at a negative potential with respect to cathode I3 and cause the arc in device 9 to cease to attach to the anodes thereof, thereby interrupting the flow of current through device 9. Closure of contact 58 short circuits the positive portion of voltage divider 39 so that the negative voltage impressed on con trol electrodes I2 is then the full voltage of generator 34. Simultaneously with the above, current transformer I86 supplies an increased current to trip coil I04 which lifts latch I83 and permits circuit breaker IT to open. Opening of contacts 62 deenergizes transformer 64, 66 and the are within device 9 is entirely extinguished. When the disturbance is a short circuit or an overload in line I, 8, polarized relay I98 also lifts latch I01 which causes circuit breaker 24 to open. If the disturbance is a backfire within device 9 and if the conditons of line I, 8 are not such that the line is capable of supplying a reverse current through device 9, no current will flow in the connections between device 9 and line I, 8 and circuit breaker 24 will open only upon opening of circuit breaker I1 which causes coil II4 to become deenergized and thereby permits relay I88 to lift latch I91. If line, I, 8 is excited from a direct current generator or from current converters other than the one illustrated, upon occurrence of a backfire in device 9, a current will flow from conductor 1 to cathode I3 over the backfiring anode and winding I9 to the negative conductor 8. Relay II6 then opens contacts I2I thereby causing coil II4 to be deenergized and permitting circuit breaker 24 to open. If the voltage of generator 34 fails for any reason, coil H4 is again deenergized and permits circuit breaker 24 to open. If the flow of excita tion current through device 9 fails, relay '54 becomes deenergized, thereby opening the circuit of field 36 of generator 34. Under such condition circuit breaker 24 again opens as above described.

If, the system being connected as shown, it is desired to operate device 9 as a direct current inverter, switch 23 is first reversed to the position opposite to that illustrated. Switch I I I then opens, switch 51 closes and brush 5| is connected with voltage divider 39 over switch 52 which disconnects brush 49. By proper adjustment of brush 5! it is possible to obtain the flow of a predetermined amount of current through device 9 during either rectifying or inverting operation of such device for approximately the same position of regulator II and therefore approximately the same position of the rotor of motor 21 with respect to the rotating field of the stator thereof. When the system is adjusted to change over from rectifying to inverting operation, the current flowing between switch 23 and line I, 8 is reversed but the current through device 9 and shunt 2| is not reversed so that, during inverting operation, regulator H regulates the flow of current exactly in the same manner as during rectifying operation. If device 9 is operating as a rectifier and it is desired to change over to the inverting operation, circuit breaker 24 is opened by opening switch IZI in the circuit of coil II4. Switch 23 may then be reversed and the system may then be put in inverting operation by closing circuit breaker 24 by means of switch 93.

During inverting operation, relay 54 must be made inoperative so as to permit positive energization of the control electrodes even during abnormal operation. If relay 54 were made operative, without other steps being taken, upon occurrence of an overload or of a short circuit in line 6 and upon operation of relay 54, the anode carrying current at such instant would continue alone to carry current as all the other anodes are then made inoperative by the action of their control electrodes. Such current carrying anode would then be severely overloaded and generally damaged by such overload. Relay 54 is made inoperative by short circuiting current transformer 56 by means of switch 51 which is controlled by switch 23. Upon occurrence of an overload in line 6, circuit breaker I! then opens under the action of current transformer I06 on trip coil I 84. Upon occurrence of either of the above conditions or of a backfire in device 9, the current supplied from line 1, 8 will be an increased current in the direction of the load current previously supplied thereby, which will cause relay II6 to open contacts I2I and thereby cause relay I88 to operate latch I01 whereupon circuit breaker 24 opens. Since, during inverting operation, the current in shunt II3 always flows in the direction which will not cause relay I88 to operate, polarizing coil I99 may be opened by switch III. During either inverting or rectifying operation, if the voltage of line 5 becomes considerably lower than the normal value thereof, relay opens contacts 84 and closes contacts 83 thereby causing regulator II to take the extreme position opposite to that illustrated and thereby to regulate the fiow of current to the minimum value thereof. An excessive flow of current is thus avoided during inverting operation and, during rectifying operation, an excessive current surge is avoided upon recovery of the voltage in line 6.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the

- transformer associated with device 9 is assumed to have a single six phase secondary winding I28 and device 9 is accordingly provided with only six anodes and six control electrodes. The stator 28 of motor 27 is then connected as illustrated in Fig. 2, transformer 29 being supplied directly from line 6 and being connected with stator 28 over a switch I29. Reactor 22 is bridged by a resistance I3I and the direct current terminals of the system are bridged by a resistance I32,

such resistances being for the purpose of diverting voltage surges occurring during the operation of the system. The voltage ripple in the direct current circuit is reduced by the combined action of reactor 22 and of a resonant filter tuned to the frequency of the ripple voltage and comprising a condenser I33 connected in series with a reactor I34. In the present embodiment, reversing switch 23 is omitted and the connections between device 9 and line I, 8 are effected over a double pole circuit breaker I36 during rectifying operation and over a double pole circuit breaker I38 during inverting operation of the system. Circuit breakers I36 and I38 are arranged to be closed and to be maintained in the closed position by the energization of their closing coils ISI and I39. Only one of circuit breakers I36 and I96 may be closed at any instant and such breakers may be operated to close or to open only when circuit breaker 24 is open.

To make the system connections of device 9 automatically reversible in response to the variations of the voltage in line 7, 6, the voltages of line I, 8 and of line 6 are compared by means of a relay I46. Such relay may have two separate coils each responsive to the voltage of one of the lines and arranged to exert a differential action on a common armature. It is, however, preferred to use a relay responsive to the ratio of the voltages of the two lines. Such a relay may be constructed with a field coil I44 connected in series with a movable armature coil I42 receiving current from one of the lines and with a second armature coil I46 mounted at right angles with coil I 42 and receiving current from the other line. In such a relay, armature I M will take a position depending on the ratio of the current intensities in coils I42 and I46. Coil I46 is energized in response to the voltage of line I, 8 over a rheostat I43 which permits adjustment of the value of the ratio of voltages which will cause armature I 4I to move in the one or in the other direction. Coils I44 and I42 are energized in response to the voltage of line 6 over a potential transformer having a primary winding I49 and a secondary winding I5I. The current in coil I65 being direct current, it is necessary to energize coils I44 and I42 also with direct current and the current supplied by winding I5I is therefore rectified over a pair of current rectifying devices I52 of any suitable type, the connection of winding I44 then being made at a midtap of winding I5 I. As will appear hereinafter, a resistance I45 is inserted in series with coils I42 and I44 during rectifying operation and is short circuited during inverting operation to permit the operation of device 9 either as a rectifier or as an inverter at voltages having a common range rather than at voltages above or below a predetermined limit. Relay I49 is provided with a contact arm operable to close contacts I4! or I49 to change from one connection to the other dependent on the operation thereof.

In the present embodiment, winding 8I of regulator II is replaced by two windings of which winding I53 is connected in series with armature winding 89 and the other winding, I54, is energized from shunt 2| over a resistance I55. Regulator II is thus operable in response to the variations of the voltage in lines I, 8 by means of windings 89 and I53, such action being modified in response to the flow of current in such line by means of winding I54. Such response is adjusted at different degrees during rectifying and inverting operations by means of a relay I5! having the coil thereof energized only during inverting opera-' tion. As an example of such action, during rectifying operation, relay I5! short circuits a resistance I56 in the circuit of coils 89 and I53 and, during inverting operation, such relay removes the short circuit from'resistance I56 and instead short circuits resistance I55. Regulator II is provided, in addition to contacts 88, with contacts I58 which are closed when the regulator is in the position shown. Contacts 88 and I58 can be closed only when regulator II maintains a current flowing through device 9 at the lowest value which such regulator permits obtaining, and such contacts cooperate with contacts I41 and I48 to reverse the connections of device 9 only when the voltage of line 7, 9 is within a predetermined range of values and when the current flowing through device 9 is at the lowest value to which such current may be adjusted. Reversal of the connections of device 9 therefore occurs only at a suitable voltage and without causing excessive current surges. Contacts 89 and I56 control the energization of the coils of two time delay relays I59 and I6I respectively. Such relays cooperate with relay I40 in controlling the energization of the coils of two changeover relays I62 and I63 which control the operation of circuit breakers 24, I36 and I38. A regulator relay I64 provides the proper connection between resistance I2 and the rotor of motor 27 and also the connection of brushes 49 and 5I of distributor 26. The relay coils and the circuit breaker coils may be energized from any suitable source such as a battery I66, the circuit of which may be closed by means of a switch I 61.

Assuming the system to be connected as shown and line 6 being energized, circuit breaker I! is closed, thereby causing the anodes of device 9 to be energized so that such anodes begin to carry current upon suitable energization of the control electrodes associated therewith. Assuming that the voltage of line I, 8 is at a low value, not exceeding the value represented by distance 0A in Fig. 3, the current flowing through coil I42 of relay I49 over a portion of resistance I45 will be comparatively larger than the current flowing through coil I46 and such relay closes contacts I48. Assuming that switch I29 is closed, the stator 26 of motor 27 is energized from line 6 over transformer 29 and a sequence of operations will occur independently of any action of the relays of the system. Such sequence of operations will be considered first although it will be understood that such operations occur simultaneously with the operation of the relays to be described hereinafter. Upon energization of stator 28, motor 21 starts as an induction motor because winding 32 is short circuited and windings 3I and 33 have the circuit thereof completed over resistance I2, and the rotor reaches a speed approaching the synchronous speed thereof. Generator 34 then excites itself over the field winding 36 thereof and causes the flow of current over voltage divider 39 to windings 3| and 33 of motor 2I, switch 68, contacts I92, resistance I2 and also to winding 3|, switch 69, contacts I9I to resistance I2, such currents combining to flow over sector 69 and switch 68 back to generator 34. The flow of such currents in windings 3| and 33 causes motor 2? to run in synchronism with the voltage of line 6. Regulator II is then still in the position shown so that the greater portion of the current supplied to windings 3I and 33 flows over winding 33 and causes the rotor of motor 21 to advance to the maximum extent with rein Fig. 3.

spect to the rotating field produced by stator 28. The brushes of distributor 26 are therefore operable to energize the control electrodes of device 9 at the earliest possible time of the voltage cycle of line 6. Brush 49 is then positively energized with respect to cathode I3 from voltage divider 39 over switch 68, contacts 296 and contacts 53. As already described with respect to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, device 9 will then be operable to supply direct current to line 1, 8 at the maximum voltage. Circuit breaker 24 being still open, device 9 does not supply current to line 1, 8 and only charges condenser I33 at a voltage equal to the peak value of the phase voltages of winding I28.

During the above sequence of operations, switch I61 being closed and contacts I43 and I56 being closed, a current flows from battery I66 over contacts I58, coil of relay IGI and switch I61 back to battery I66, thereby causing relay I6! to close contacts I68 and :11. A current then flows from source I66 over contacts I48, contact I66, coil of relay I62 and switch I61 back to battery I66. Relay I62 lifts the armature thereof, thereby closing contacts iii and current then flows from battery I66 over contacts H69 and Ill through coil of relay I62 and switch I61 back to battery I66 so that the armature of relay I62 remains attracted even if contacts I48 and I68 open. Relay I62 having opened contacts I12, the entire resistance I45 is now in series with coils I42 and I44 of relay I46 causing such relay to be operable to reverse when the voltage of line 1, 8 exceeds a value represented by OB As explained above the output voltage of device 9 is maintained by condenser I33 at the peak value of the voltage of winding IE8 and such voltage being impressed on windings 86 and I 53 of regulator 1I the regulator reverses from the position shown into the opposite extreme position thereby opening contacts I58 and causing the coil of relay I6I to be deenergized. Regulator 1I having reversed, sector 69 energizes winding 3| to a much greater extent than winding 33 and the rotor of motor 21 then lags to the greatest possible extent with respect to the rotating field induced by winding 28. The output voltage of device 9 is then reduced to the minimum value thereof so that device 9 may be connected with line 1, 8 and, upon completion of such connection, the flow of current will begin at not over the lowest value to which such current may have been adjusted and, therefore, without the production of excessive current surges. Contacts I13 of relay I62 being closed, a current flows from source I66 over closing coil I31 of circuit breaker I36, contacts I14 and I13 and switch I61. Coil I31 is thus energized and closes circuit breaker I35. Such closure closes a circuit from battery I66 over closing coil 92 of circuit breaker 24, contacts I11, I18, I19, I8I, I82, I16 and switch I61. Coil 92 thus being energized closes circuit breaker 24 which completes the connection between device 9 and line 1, 8. Circuit breaker 24 closes contacts I63, I64, I91, and I88 so that coil 92 will remain energized even if contacts I11 of relay I6I are opened. The coil of relay I6! having become deenergized upon reversal of regulator 1|, contacts I11 thereof will open after a time interval determined by the time delay mechanism of relay I6I. If relay I62 becomes deenergized, coil I31 will remain energized and will maintain circuit breaker I36 in closed position until circuit breaker 24 has opened.

Under the action of the flow of current through coils 99 and l 53 only, regulator 15 tends to maintain the voltage in line 1, 8 at a constant value. If such voltage increases, the flow of current through windings 39 and $53 will increase and cause rotation of spindle 16 against the action of spring 15, thereby causing sector 69 to rock so that current is diverted from winding 33 towards winding 3!. The armature of motor 21 is thereby made to lag and the energization of the control electrodes of device 6 is retarded, thereby decreasing the output voltage of device 9 to the desired value. If the voltage of line 1, 8 decreases, spring 15 returns spindle 16 against the action of coils 80 and E63, thereby causing the voltage of line 1, 8 to return to the desired value by a process opposite to that above outlined. Such action is modified by the action of coil I54 so that the output voltage of device 9, instead of being constant at all currents, may be made to decrease or to increase at any predetermined rate with increasing current, thereby giving to device 9 an output voltage characteristic such as curve CD in Fig. 3.

If the voltage in line 1, 8 increases because of a reduction of the load connected with such line, such voltage will reach the value OB in Fig. 3 whereupon relay I46 will close contacts I41. If the current flowing through shunt 2! further decreases to a predetermined value such as OF, regulator "iI will reach the extreme position opposite to that shown in the drawings. Contact arm 85 then closes contacts 89 and a current flows from battery I66 over contacts 88, coil of relay i59 and switch I61 so that relay I59 closes contacts I85 and 586. Current then flows from battery I66 over contacts I41 and I85, coil of relay I63 and switch I61. The armature of relay S63 is thus attracted, thereby opening contacts I66. The coil of relay I62 is thus deenergized and the armature of such relay returns to the position shown in the drawings. Relay I63 closes contacts 569 and current flows from battery I66 over contacts 89 and I89, coil of relay I63 and switch I61 so that the coil of relay I63 remains energized and the armature thereof remains attracted. Relay I63 closes contacts I93 so that resistance M is entirely short circuited and relay 546 is operable to close contacts I 48 when the voltage is below the value OE. Relay I46 therefore immediately opens contacts I41 and closes contacts I48. Contacts I18 and I19 being opened coil 92 is deenergized and circuit breaker 24 opens. Contact I 84 is thereby opened and coil I31 is deenergized so that circuit breaker I36 opens. Relay I63 having closed contacts I96, current flows from battery I66 over coils of relays I51 and I64 and over the coil I39 of circuit breaker I39, over contacts I94 and I96 and switch I61. Relay I51 attracts the armature thereof, thereby opening the short circuit across resistor I56 and short circuiting resistance I55 so that regulator 1! is operable to regulate the voltage of line 1, 8 at values represented by curve FG in Fig. 3. Relay I64 opens contact 206 and closes contact 261 so that brush Si is connected with the positive terminal of voltage divider 39 instead of brush 49, thereby energizing control. electrodes I2 at the proper times for causing operation of device 9 as a direct current inverter. The connection between device 9 and line 1, 8 being momentarily interrupted, the voltage impressed on coils 8D and I53 of regulator H is the output voltage of device 9 operating as a rectifier. Control electrodes I2 being now energized positively with respect to cathode I3, at times when anodes II receive only negative voltages from winding I28, device 9 is inoperative and coils 86 and I53 cannot receive current either from line I, 8 or from device 9, so that regulator returns to the position shown. Relay I64 having opened contacts I9I and I92 and closed contacts 293 and 264, the connections of resistance 52 are reversed and regulator II, when in the position shown, causes the time of energization of control electrodes i2 to lag to the greatest possible extent with respect to the voltage cycle of line 3 so that, upon closure of the connections between device 9 and line I, 8, the current flowing from line I, 8 to be inverted in device 9 will be maintained at the smallest value possible by the adjustment of regulator II, and the flow of such current will be established without excessive current surges. Coil I39, being energized, closes circuit breaker I38, thereby closing contacts 202 and current flows from source I66 over coil 92, contacts I86, I91, I98, I99, 29L 292 and switch I91, thereby causing circuit breaker 24 to close and complete the connection between line I, 8 and device 9. The coil of relay ISI is momentarily energized by the closure of contacts I58, but such contacts are again opened upon movement of regulator II to regulate the voltage of line I, 8 before contacts I68 and III have closed.

In operation, under the action of coils 86 and I53, regulator II will tend to maintain the voltage of line I, 8 at a constant value. If such voltage is higher than the desired value, the action of coils 89 and I53 causes spindle I6 to rotate against the action of spring 7.5, thereby causing sector 69 to rock and increase the flow of current in coil 33 while decreasing the flow of current through coil 3i. Such action results in advance of the time of the energization of control elec-' trodes I2 during each cycle of the voltage of line 6, such advance, however, resulting in a decrease in the voltage of line I, 8 because device 9 is operating as an inverter. Such action continues until the voltage of line I, 8 returns to the desired value. If such voltage is below the desired value regulator II will restore such voltage to the desired value by the process opposite to that above outlined. Such action of the regulator is modified by the action of coil I54 so as to cause the voltage of line I, 8 to either decrease or increase with increasing loads resulting in a voltage characteristic such as curve FG in Fig. 3.

During such inverting operation, if the voltage of line I, 8 decreases below the value OE and the current flowing through device 9 decreases below the value OF, relay I49 closes contacts I48 and regulator II closes contacts 88, such action causing circuit breaker 24 to open, causing circuit breaker I38 to open thereafter and causing the coils of relays I5I, I64 and I63 to be deenergized as may be determined by an examination of the circuits thereof. Relay I62 is then energized and circuit breakers 24 and I36 reconnect device 9 with line I, 8 for rectifying operation as described in full detail above.

The regulation of the flow of current through device 9 may be effected'manually by use of the tap of a resistance 90 which may be substituted for resistance I2 by means of a reversing switch 68 as in the embodiment in Fig. 1. It may seem that the control of a changeover between rectifying and inverting operations may be satisfactorily obtained by means of contacts, and I58 of regulator II without the addition of relay I48. Relay I45 is, however, necessary because regulator II reverses from one extreme position to the other during each changeover operation, and also causes changeover in response to the ratio of the input to the output voltage of thesystem.

In the present embodiment, upon occurrence of a disturbance of any nature causing flow of excessive current through winding I8, relay 54 opens contacts 53, thereby opening the connection of brush 49. Such action results in the interruption of the flow of current through device 9 if such device is operating as a rectifier. If such device is operating as an inverter, the flow of current must be interrupted by circuit breaker II. In the present embodiment, contacts 58 were omitted because the closure of such contacts during inverting operation would remove, from brush 5i, the positive voltage obtained from the positive portion of the voltage divider 39, thereby preventing the desired continued operation of device 9 until opening of circuit breaker II.

Although but two embodiments of the presen invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transform croonnecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of the anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with the cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation .of said line connection reversing means, and

means responsive to the flow of current of predetermined magnitude through said device to'cause operation of said line disconnecting means. 7

2. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of the anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with the cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, and means responsive to the flow of excessive currents through said device to maintain said control electrodes at negative potentials relative to the potential of the cathode from said source to cause cessation of the flow of current through said device.

3. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line,'an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, means responsive to the flow of excessive currents through said device to maintain the control electrodes of said device at negative potentials relative to the potential of the cathode to cause cessation of the flow of current through said device, and means controlled by said line connection reversing means to control the operation of the last said means.

4. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes With associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device during operation of said line connection reversing means, a synchronous motor controlling said control potential applying means, a switch connecting said synchronous motor with said alternating current line, and means delaying closure of said line disconnecting means until said motor reaches the normal speed thereof following closure of said switch.

5. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected withsaid cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device during operation of said line connection reversing means, a synchronous motor controlling said control potential applying means, energy converting means associated with said device and operable to supply direct current to said motor only after said motor becomes energized from said alternating current line.

6. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device during operation of said line connection reversing means, a synchronous motor'controlling said control potential applying means, excitation means for said device, and means for supplying current from said excitation means to said motor only after said motor becomes energized from said alternating current line.

' 7. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device during operation of said line connection reversing means, a synchronous motor controlling said control potential applying means, a direct current generator driven by said motor and operable to supply direct current to said motor only after said motor becomes energized from said alternating current line.

8. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of the anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with the cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connections of said direct current line with said device during operation of said line connection reversing means, a synchronous motor controlling said control potential applying means, energy converting means associated with said device and operable to supply direct current to said motor, and means controlling the current supplied to said motor from said energy converting means in response to the magnitude of the current flowing through said device during rectifying and during inverting operation thereof.

9. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of the anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with the cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device during operation of said line connection reversing means, a motor controlling said control potential'applying means, energy converting means associated with said device and operable to supply direct current to said motor, and means controlling the current supplied to said motor from said energy converting means in response to the magnitude of the voltage of said direct current line during rectifying and during inverting operation of such device.

10. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having an g, with associated control electrodes and apalthode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of QQOl'll'JfOl ,poteiitial, means for applying said control'potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections ofsaid direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, means automatically controlling the flow of current through said device, and means causing said disconnecting means to close and operable only when said current controlling means are in the condition thereof permitting the least flow of current through said device.

11. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, means controlling the flow of current through said device in response to the voltage of said direct current line, and means causing said disconnecting means to close, the last said means being operable only when said current controlling means are in the condition thereof permitting the least flow of current through said device.

12. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device during operation of said line connec--. tion reversing means, a motor controlling said control potential applying means, energy converting means associated with said device and operable to supply direct current to said motor, and means controlling the current supplied to said motor from said energy converting means in response to the magnitude of the voltage of said direct current line, and meansreversing the connections of said current controlling means with said motor during changeover from rectifying to inverting operation and vice versa.

13. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said. device during operation of said lineconnection reversing means, means controlling the flow of current through said device in response to the voltage of said direct current line, and means for causing said current controlling means to momentarily receive a voltage higher than the maximum voltage of said direct current line during changeover from inverting to rectifying operations.

14. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, means controlling the flow of current through said device in response to the voltage of said direct current line, and means for causing said current controlling means to momentarily receive no voltage during changeover from rectifying to inverting operations.

15. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, and means for controlling the operation of the last two said means in response to the relative potential conditions of said lines.

16. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means ,for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, and means for controlling the operation of the last two said means in response to the current conditions in said direct current line.

17. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated-control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, and means for controlling the operation of the last two said means in response to the relative potential conditions of said lines and to the current conditions in said direct current line.

18. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having the conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means,

and means for controlling the operation of the last tWo said means in response to the relative potential conditions of said lines and to the voltage conditions of said direct current line.

19. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, means automatically controlling the flow of current through said device, and means adjusting the operation of the last said means differently for rectifying and inverting operations of said device.

20. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line having one conductor connected with said cathode and another conductor connected with said transformer, means for reversing the connections of said direct current line, means for interrupting connection of said direct cur rent line with said device and having elements controlling operation of said line connection reversing means, and means for controlling the operation of the last two said means in response to the relative potential conditions of said lines, and means for adjusting the operation of the last said means difierently for rectifying and inverting operations of said device.

21. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line connectible with said cathode and with said transformer, means for connecting said direct current line with said cathode and with said transformer in one connection, means other than the second said means for connecting said direct current line with said cathode and with said transformer in an inverse connection, and means for preventing circuit closing operation of either one of the said second and third means during circuit closing operation of the other thereof.

22. In an electron discharge device control system, an alternating current line, an electron discharge device having anodes with associated control electrodes and a cathode, a transformer connecting said anodes with said line, a source of control potentials, means for applying said control potentials to the control electrodes to control operation of said anodes, a direct current line connectible with said cathode and with said transformer, means for connecting said direct current line with said cathode and with said transformer in one connection, means for connecting said direct current line with said cathode and with said transformer in an inverse connection, means for interrupting connection of said direct current line with said device, and means preventing operation of either of the second and third said means when said direct current line is connected with said device by said line disconnecting means.

CHARLES EHRENSPERGER. 

